Page 117 of Forever Cursed

“Chrissy, you have to share Rome,” Max says before smirking.

“No, I don’t! He’smyboyfriend.”

I chuckle as she clings to me, balling my jersey in her hand.

“He eatsmyyogurt!”

“Slander!” Chrissy defends.

“You two are ridiculous,” I laugh before setting Chrissy down on her feet.

“Fine, I’ll share him... for now.” Chrissy leans into me and gently pulls on my lower lip with her mouth, hinting I need to bring her somewhere secluded ASAP.

Max is the first to pull me into a congratulatory hug, followed by an eager Gwen, Ash, and Zack. I let them know that I’m the new captain, and Gwen hugs me like I suspect a mother might.

“He’s allowed to eat all the yogurt he wants, you hear me, Max?”

“Yes, Mom,” Max sighs while playfully rolling his eyes.

Chrissy tugs on my arm, signaling it’s time to go. I’m about to find an excuse to leave, but a familiar voice interrupts me.

“There he is! Plus my two favorite girls,” Raina calls out as she nears us. “Rome, you kicked ass, per usual.”

I smile at her as Chrissy leans against my arm.

“Hey, girly, how are you managing this semester so far?” Chrissy asks.

“So far so good. You know Professor Clastis.” she laughs.

“Loves piling on the work the moment we walk through the door.” Chrissy chuckles.

“Hi, Gwen!” Raina waves at Gwen, and I catch the moment Raina’s eyes land on someone else.

Peeking over my shoulder, I spot who she’s looking at, and I don’t stop the grin from spreading across my lips.

I don’t know Raina as well as Chrissy knows her. We had a few sessions together, but she was only ever professional. But from what Chrissy tells me, Raina is like an extroverted version of Gwen, but throw in some sass and spice. When I look at her, I see the perfect mixture of Chrissy and Gwen. So I hold in my laugh when Zack catches her gaze.

Raina raises her hand and waves at the group, but mainly at Zack. “Hey, everyone, I’m Raina Bennett.”

Zack doesn’t respond, his eyes focusing as he takes her in.

A smirk forms across my lips because I’m sure I had the same look on my face when I first truly noticed Chrissy.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chrissy

I’m a ball of raging hormones. Thankfully, I’m on birth control because I would let this man get me pregnant tonight. I tuned out when Raina appeared. Everyone was introduced, but not too long after, we all went our separate ways. With Rome’s hand in mine, we walk toward his car in silence. I just need to hold it in until we get to his room. I can do that. I’m a big girl.

“Ready to go home, sunshine?” he asks with a grin.

And I internally combust.

“Mm-hmm,” I hum through my closed lips.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” He unlocks his car, opening the passenger side door for me.

I attempt to take my seat, but he wraps his arm around my waist, and I stop in my tracks.

---